Elective c section (non medical reasons)

[Peaplant20]

I’m going to request to speak to someone about this at my next midwife appointment as it’s something that I’ve always considered. I’m wondering if anyone has any experience of this - what helped you decide on a c section vs a natural birth if there was no medical reason for it? No judgement please, it is every mother’s right to request a c section as laid out on the NHS and NICE guidelines, so please don’t comment at all if you’re only going to say something judgemental.

(And yes I’ve done lots of research and no I don’t think it’s an easy option) x

I requested a c section for mental health reasons and I knew the experience of a vaginal birth would make it worse. I just did my research and weighed up the pros and cons of each, I had my c section 11 weeks ago and I don't regret it.

No judgement at all here. I too requested one for MH issues and was taken very seriously and respected.
I imagine things really vary from hospital to hospital, but id first raise it with your midwife. If you aren't being given options by her, then could you ask to be seen by a consultant?

I’ve had 2! Due to being hyper mobile and at risk of dislocation with a natural birth. Do you have any similar issue? It costs a lot more so have your reasons-loom at the NICE list of acceptable reasons- mental health, previous tear, physical issue etc and pick one of those you most closely align to

It’s entirely your right. It’s not the same decision but a similar process of thought. I had a VBAC (vaginal birth after c section) against medical advice as my first c section and recovery was horrific.

I spoke to PMA midwives, my consultant extensively and women’s health psychologist many times before making my final decision.

Yes, I had one for mental health reasons. I just stated my request at every appointment and was referred to a consultant, who referred me to maternal mental health services. That was great because I then got to see a psychologist who gave me a mental health diagnosis (after years of 'have some more CBT/drugs' on the NHS) and my mental health was well supported throughout.

If your initial consultant refuses you can ask to see another. Good luck! It's not an easy option but a planned c section is very different to an emergency one, it's a lovely calm environment (even if you're terrified like I was).

My first was emergency in that I didn't dilate and they had to get DD out due to meconium.
Emcs was fine for me. Healed really well and moving about normally within 10days.

I seesawed for my second, but ultimately opted for a planned csec. Healed slower but I have regained complete physical health for intensive exercise quicker than first.

I felt csec meant more control over the process for me and I preferred that.

I did explain to a midwife at the end of my 2nd pregnancy that I was afraid of birth injuries from a vaginal delivery because women are not taken seriously by doctors. They're expected to live with it, or get by on painkillers because that's just what happens. I wasn't ready to have to fight for that if I had to.

From the moment I knew I was pregnant I wanted a c-section because I have absolutely no desire to experience child birth. None.

I didn't know when to bring it up with the midwife so I didn't actually say until about 25 weeks, she was surprised but referred me to a consultant.

They (consultant and midwives) tried to get me to change my mind at all appointments and I felt that, on occasion, some scare tactics were used to try and dissuade me but I was already well informed. I stood my ground and it was the best decision. In fact, if the time comes, I'll do it again.

@VanquishGirl

From the moment I knew I was pregnant I wanted a c-section because I have absolutely no desire to experience child birth. None.

I didn't know when to bring it up with the midwife so I didn't actually say until about 25 weeks, she was surprised but referred me to a consultant.

They (consultant and midwives) tried to get me to change my mind at all appointments and I felt that, on occasion, some scare tactics were used to try and dissuade me but I was already well informed. I stood my ground and it was the best decision. In fact, if the time comes, I'll do it again.

Sorry, I meant that to say natural childbirth.

Nobody helped me decide, I just assumed I would go into labour and give birth and I did. I knew I would be transferred to hospital or if in hospital to theatre for a Caesarian if things were not going too well but all went OK for me.

A friend of mine had two Caesarians. She didn't want either but had to.

I had one, I am quite badly tokophobic but ultimately for me I was not prepared to accept the risk of birth injuries that could come from a vaginal birth, but could accept the risk of hysterectomy, increased risk of PPH (although to be fair, I did haemorrhage and at the time mentally kicked myself up the arse for thinking that would be fine and dandy - it was in the end but can make you blooming panicky at the time!), nicked internal organs etc. To me it was short term vs. Long term injuries and issues. I told the midwife I wanted one at the booking appointment and she set the wheels in motion. I'm pregnant with No. 2 and at the booking call was asked if I wanted a VBAC. I laughed, said no, and was immediately booked in to see the same consultant as last time. Tbf I think my local hospital is pretty good about these things.

I always felt like a c-section was something I'd want to avoid as I'd seen my mother suffer from post-caesarian adhesions later in life and I'd watched her struggle to manage the pain for many years and have to have further abdominal surgeries because of this. She also chose to be sterilised after her second pregnancy due to the risk of repeated pregnancies rupturing her scar and her own grandmother died after complications from repeated c-sections.

In some ways, I can see why people think it's a more controlled way to give birth but that doesn't mean it is risk free. You might avoid the risk of natural birth injuries but may still be left with the long term consequences of what is a major abdominal surgery.

If this is your first pregnancy then consider the long term implications if you want to go on to have more children. The more c-sections you have, the greater the risk with each pregnancy, particularly with things like how your placenta attaches in the womb and how well your womb heals each time. I think Kim Kardashian suffered from similar complications and went on to have her children born by surrogate.

I'm not trying to scaremonger or frighten you, these are just considerations I had before I gave birth. C-sections are a brilliant product of modern medicine and absolutely save the lives of women and babies but they're not something to be taken lightly.

This isn’t actually the case at all (I know this is an old post but for anyone else reading)
the difference initially between a section and a vaginal birth (uncomplicated- which isn’t the norm) is £800
after you calculate the cost of GP issues from incontinance issues of VB the gap closes to £84 difference -this isn’t my opinion it’s documented but can’t find the link
the most costly is an emergency section that’s around £1300 more
have to base it on your own circumstance. In my case I had a high risk of serious injury from vaginal birth and possibility of DS getting stuck; I find it sad the judgement and stigma- people always want to know why!!
I chose elective rather than to try, damage me and DS. I’ve always made educated decisions in other areas of life and I think birth is so important.

I had absolutely no desire to have a vaginal birth. However I was in a different country and under a private consultant so there was no issue with me requesting a CS.

I also thought it was safer for the baby, it took us a long time to conceive. However due to my age we won’t be having another so I don’t have to worry about what happens in another pregnancy.

I had a lovely birth experience, so relaxed and my recovery was really good too. I have no doubt that I made the right decision for us.